Finding the Lost Art of Empathy: Connecting Human to Human in a Disconnected World

by Tracy Wilde-Pace, Judah Smith (Foreword)

Tracy Wilde, rising celebrity pastor who helped launch the LA Bible Study in Hollywood, reflects on the absence of empathy in today’s world and shares how Christians can renew their compassion to help unify not only the church, but society as well.

In Finding the Lost Art of Empathy , Tracy Wilde addresses the reasons why we struggle with showing empathy toward others and explains why we ultimately avoid it—and even avoid contact with others altogether. She explores the different facets that have promoted isolation instead of community and provides the antidote for a more unified, loving, and empathetic society. In this book Wilde hopes to inspire all of us to self-reflect and remove those obstacles from our lives so that we can experience true fulfillment in our relationships—the way God intended us to.

Genres: Self Help, Christian, Personal Development, Business, Christian Living

208 pages, Hardcover

Published May 16, 2017

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very...White Anglican Privileged perspective on empathy. The author has undoubtedly faced tragedy in her life...but she comes from such a privileged background that a lot of the context she provides feels out of touch with readers who are impoverished, queer, people of color, people living with disabilities, and, honestly, even people who are just lower middle class. It's full of taking voyeuristic glimpses at people who live difficult lives, promoting missionary lifestyles, and patting backs for the types of giving that the average white protestant is already comfortable with. Honestly, I just don't really want to hear about how to be kinder from someone who is also talking about their opportunities to intern in DC, travel to Paris, and bump into her new roommate's cute little mini cooper with her cute little VW bug.

I guess what I'm saying is this: if you're a fairly well-off Protestant who scoffs at poor people and posts a bunch of selfies, totally read this and hear about how you should stop posting a selfie for a second and do something nice for a poor person. But, if you're just another person who is regularly having fairly well-off Protestants ban books that feature characters who look or love like you from public schools and public libraries, or whose government is trying to legislate your loved ones out of existence, or who just struggles to get bills paid AND groceries bought in the same week...there isn't really anything in this book for you to connect to.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wilde makes some good points but way too much filler in between. (Or perhaps I'm just not empathetic enough?)

[Ezechel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy is an amazing story teller, which makes this book very readable, because she has a perfect personal story for each piece of truth she is sharing. I'll admit I didn't always identify with the funny stories, because I am not a millennial, or a woman, or single, or born and raised in the US. But I can see how her style appeals to a wider young audience. However I can identify with the core of her experience: the loss of someone dear, and being on both sides of the empathy - giving and receiving. She places empathy at the core of Christian living, and I agree with that. We can all offer a bit more empathy, and she makes it easy to assimilate that message.

[Jennifer Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting, through tears and laughter. The topics of lament, loss, grief, and anger at God are all commonly experienced but not discussed much among my circles. Mostly because these topics can be seen as enemies of our faith. I think silence is the enemy of faith, and I'm grateful for Tracy's boldness to share her personal story to shatter the silence and speak life into these wounded areas we've all experienced. I loved the practicality and how-to guide for walking with someone through their struggles, supported by her Biblically informed perspectives on loving your neighbor and your enemy. This book has made me reconsider my priorities, be more attentive and participatory to the experiences of others, and dream of a world turned upside down by the simple, one-person-at-a-time opportunity to practice the art of empathy.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracy uses her experience of losing her fiancé tragically to teach others how to relate and engage in their difficult times when we are so used to never having to interact face to face. Tracy is a great story teller and is very engaging. This isn’t like other “fluffy” Christian books that I feel like all tend to say the same thing. I actually felt like I was learning as I was reading this book. It was something I had never heard of before.

[Amy V · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book would become DNF, but it was enlightening for its perspective on empathy and forgiveness. Although I did not rate it highly, it did teach lessons I will carry in my life.

"When your philosophy becomes more important than a person, it has failed you. There is nothing more dehumanizing than to care more for a philosophy than a living, breathing person. People are the priority." (p 94)

"I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it."
- Maya Angelou

[Sharon Royle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is actually written by a young minister. She discusses what empathy is and how to get it if you have somehow lost it or never had it in the first place.

This short book features wonderful, heart-tugging stories that will make you glad that you picked up this book and heard what this Idaho pastor had to say.

[Natalie Herr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I resonate and agree with the author’s message that we are called to learn about and grow in empathy. It’s something I want to be better at, and that’s why I grabbed this book. I had hoped it would be a little more prescriptive and practical. There were a few practical bits, but mostly story-telling (which is not bad! Just not what I expected).

[Carmen Shea Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. If you know someone who is going through any kind of grief or crisis, or is just having a bad day and you don't have the words to say to him or her, this book is a great reference. I highly recommend.

[Cassandra Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive and didn't need to be written. Enjoyed the autobiographical components of it but overall it felt a bit messy and all over the place. Kind of read like lots of long blog posts (the ones I never read) smashed together.

[Jessica Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Definitely an eye opener! Made me really see what empathy is, not what I thought it was.

[Meghan West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empathy is a message the church needs to hear, but I don't feel like I came away with much new knowledge.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tracy Wilde, a minister, seeks to get us to be more empathetic. She does this by spotlighting the actions of Jesus. She also uses stories to help illustrate the points.

[Joanne Mcleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good audiobook listen while on a road trip!

[Oleg · Rating 4 out of 5]

extremely practical book about building better relationships

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook. Nothing too novel.

[Isamara Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall message was good. Some sections seemed a bit too religious for my liking.

[Natalie Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to read in understanding what it means to be empathetic (of course in practical ways).

[Amanda Anger]

I enjoyed this book, which explored the true meaning of empathy and gave some practical ideas for connecting to others. It didn't stand out as a "wow" book, but was a good read nonetheless.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always leery of celebrity pastors. Overall, the book was well grounded in the real world and there were a few passages that were so relevant, I felt the truth of the words in a strong physical response, I.e. my ❤ was touched.